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Purple Three-Awn

Aristida purpurea

true

1 gallon

Purple Three-Awn

In stock

2-3'x2'

Sizes:

Purple Three Awn – Aristida purpurea

Also known as: Purple Threeawn, Red Three-awn, Purple Aristida

Purple Three Awn is a compact perennial bunchgrass known for its fine texture, erect form, and striking flowering display. Typically growing under 3 feet tall, it features narrow green to blue-green leaves and showy flower plumes that range from light brown to reddish-purple. These blooms are especially eye-catching in the warm months, and in fall, the long, slender awns attached to each seed shimmer in the sunlight, giving the plant a soft, glowing appearance.

This species has an impressively wide native range, occurring across the western two-thirds of the United States, parts of southern Canada, and northern Mexico. In California, it is found mostly south of Mono County and thrives in a wide range of ecosystems—from deserts and coastal habitats to mountain and grassland regions. It is especially abundant on plains and dry, open areas.

Purple Three Awn prefers full sun and minimal irrigation. It is drought-tolerant and thrives in sandy or clay soils, including those that are poor or infertile. It readily reseeds in moist conditions, allowing it to naturalize and stabilize soils. This makes it an excellent plant for erosion control, particularly on slopes or disturbed areas. It also performs well in containers, along borders, and in mass plantings where it provides contrast and movement among shrubs and trees. Its airy texture and vibrant seed heads add visual interest year-round and make it a strong native alternative to invasive ornamental grasses.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: —
Bird Resources: Seeds; Nest Materials; Shelter
Bird Species: Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata); Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus); California Towhee (Melozone crissalis)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

2-3'x2'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Cream; Purple; Red; Brown

Flower season:

Spring

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

15 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Attracts pollinators:

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Yes

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Yes

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.